How to Delete Your Facebook Account

Introduction

Deleting your Facebook account is a permanent action that removes your profile, photos, posts, and data from Facebook's servers (after a waiting period). Unlike deactivation, which temporarily hides your account, deletion is irreversible once completed. This guide explains everything you need to know to safely delete your account and preserve any data you wish to keep.

Deactivation vs. Deletion

Deactivation temporarily disables your profile — friends can't see you but you can reactivate anytime by logging in. Deletion schedules permanent removal of all your data after a 30‑day grace period. Choose deactivation if you may return; choose deletion for complete removal.

Backup Your Data

Before deleting, download a copy of your information:

1. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
2. Select Your Facebook Information, then Download Your Information.
3. Choose date range, format (HTML or JSON), and media quality.
4. Select data categories (posts, photos, messages).
5. Click Create File. You'll receive a notification when it's ready to download.

Deleting Your Account on Desktop

1. Log in and click the arrow () in the top-right corner.
2. Select Settings & Privacy > Settings.
3. In the left sidebar, click Your Facebook Information.
4. Click Deactivation and Deletion.
5. Select Delete Account and click Continue to Account Deletion.
6. Optionally choose to download data or manage apps before deletion, then click Delete Account.
7. Enter your password and confirm.

Deleting Your Account on Mobile

1. Open the Facebook app and tap the menu (bottom-right on iOS, top-right on Android).
2. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then Settings.
3. Under Account, tap Personal and Account Information.
4. Tap Account Ownership and Control > Deactivation and Deletion.
5. Select Delete Account, tap Continue, enter password, and confirm.

Post-Deletion Timeline

After confirming deletion, Facebook delays action for 30 days — during this grace period you can cancel if you change your mind. After 30 days, your data is permanently deleted, although backups in backup systems may take up to 90 days to clear.

Canceling Account Deletion

Within 30 days of initiating deletion:

1. Log back into Facebook with your credentials.
2. Click Cancel Deletion on the prompt.
3. Your account and data will be fully restored.

Common Pitfalls & Troubleshooting

• Ensure you download your data before deletion — afterward it's inaccessible.
• Deleting the Facebook app does not delete your account.
• Pages you manage may be deleted unless you assign another admin.
• Third-party apps using Facebook Login will lose access if you delete your account.

FAQs & Troubleshooting

Answers to common questions about Facebook account deletion:

• Will Messenger also be deleted?
  A: Yes. When you delete your Facebook account, Messenger and all message history are also permanently removed. If you only deactivate, Messenger remains accessible—log in to Messenger directly to continue chats.
• Can I access Instagram after deleting Facebook?
  A: Yes. Instagram accounts linked to Facebook remain active unless you choose to disconnect or delete Instagram separately. You may lose automatic login integration but can sign in with your Instagram credentials.
• What happens to groups and pages I admin?
  A: If you are the sole administrator of a Page or Group, it may be unpublished or deleted. Transfer admin rights to another trusted member before deleting your personal account to maintain group/page continuity.
• How long until my personal information is removed?
  A: Your profile becomes inaccessible immediately after deletion is initiated. Facebook delays permanent removal for 30 days in case you change your mind; full deletion (including backup systems) may take up to 90 days.
• Can I still use Facebook Login on other apps?
  A: No. After deletion, Facebook Login is disabled for third-party apps and websites. Create separate credentials or use alternative login methods for services you accessed via Facebook.
• How do I recover if I change my mind?
  A: Within the 30‑day grace period, simply log back into Facebook and click "Cancel Deletion." After 30 days, the deletion is irreversible and recovery is not possible.
• Does deleting Facebook delete my data on partner sites?
  A: No. Data you shared with third-party platforms or apps remains under their control. Contact each service directly to request deletion of your information from their systems.